Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1174 - 168: Take It Easy (Part 2)

"You punk sure know a lot." Back then, the truth of how Princess Wei got pregnant had been completely guessed by Zhao Yao.

Zhao Yao rolled his eyes at this so-called "compliment" from the emperor. "Did you think I went to Lingnan just to idle around all day?"

The emperor exaggeratedly praised his youngest son, "Our Prince Han is amazing, truly impressive."

Zhao Yao: "..." This damned old man’s asking‑for‑a‑beating tone really made him want to punch him.

The emperor suddenly asked, "What else do you know about the Southern Wei Royal Family?"

"I know some things even Eighth Brother doesn’t, things I’m afraid even those Southern Wei people around him don’t know."

Hearing that, the emperor’s interest was immediately piqued. He asked curiously, "What do you know?"

"There was once a very favored concubine in the Southern Wei Royal Family, favored over the entire harem just like Noble Princess Consort Rong."

When the emperor heard the three words "Noble Princess Consort Rong," his brows twitched slightly.

"Guess where that Princess came from?" Zhao Yao deliberately dangled the answer.

"Where?" the emperor guessed. "From how you’re saying it, this Princess wasn’t a Central Plains person."

"Not a Central Plains person, but at the time she was taken as one. It’s said her mother was bought back by a merchant of the previous dynasty, then that merchant presented her mother to an official, and her mother became very much favored by that official."

The emperor did know about this part. "And then?"

"Then the official sent their daughter into the Southern Wei Palace, and she very quickly became King of Southern Wei’s beloved concubine." Zhao Yao stopped keeping him in suspense. "That favored concubine’s mother was bought back from Siam by a merchant. Her mother wasn’t some poor girl, but a believer of a Siamese sect called the Blue Sect."

"Blue Sect, what kind of sect is that?" This was the first time the emperor had heard of it.

"An evil cult. Her mother escaped from them. Later, somehow the Blue Sect found out that the Southern Wei favorite’s mother had been one of their people, so naturally they took the daughter to also be one of their own."

The things Zhao Yao was talking about now were new to the emperor.

"And then?"

"The Blue Sect in Siam wanted to use this to control Southern Wei, but in the end they failed. The Southern Wei Royal Family might have escaped disaster, but they were cursed by the Blue Sect. That’s why the Southern Wei Royal Family had such thin descendants, and why they were eventually destroyed."

After listening, the emperor’s face clearly said he didn’t buy it.

"Southern Wei was destroyed because they went back on their word; what’s that got to do with a curse?"

"I haven’t finished. Back then the Southern Wei Royal Family joined forces with Siam to wipe out the Blue Sect. The Blue Sect was eradicated as a sect, but some remnants survived."

At this point, the emperor suddenly remembered how his youngest son had, before coming to the capital, eliminated the forces that Prince Han and the three Xiongnu concubines had in Siam, Johor, and other countries.

"Those remnants colluded with Old Fifth and the others?"

"Yes, and that’s not all. You know Eighth Brother moved the Southern Wei people under him over to Siam, Johor, and other countries, right?"

"What, people from the Blue Sect found the men under Old Eight?"

"Right, they did."

"Shouldn’t the Blue Sect and Southern Wei be mortal enemies?"

"That was in their ancestors’ time. The Blue Sect’s goal now is to cleanse their name, expand their power, and gather more believers."

The emperor was getting a bit muddled. "You’re telling me about the Blue Sect to warn me?"

Zhao Yao nodded. "The remnants of the Blue Sect nearly took control of Siam, Johor, and the like, but I ruined it for them." Last year he had specially gone to Siam and Johor and the other states abroad, first to eliminate the forces that Prince Han and the three concubines had built up in those foreign countries, and second to eradicate the Blue Sect remnants so they could no longer control those foreign royal families.

"Well done." After praising him, the emperor asked again, "Why didn’t you tell me this before?"

"I felt they hadn’t amounted to much yet, so there was no need to tell you."

"Then why bring it up now?"

Zhao Yao didn’t answer the emperor head‑on, but said meaningfully, "When I go back, I’ll tell Eighth Brother about the Blue Sect."

The emperor instantly understood what Zhao Yao meant.

"There aren’t many people from the Blue Sect left, but they do have some sinister, crooked tricks. Be careful."

The emperor let out a laugh. "You little scamp, your ambition grows ever bolder, to the point of knowing even such obscure matters."

"Since I am stationed in Swamp Prefecture, it is only natural that I should endeavor to understand the affairs of the neighboring nations."

"I am aware of my own limitations." The emperor’s gaze settled on him, filled with paternal affection. "Fear not, your old man will come to no harm."

Following this, the emperor inquired further about the matters concerning the Blue Sect.

Zhao Yao remained, partaking in a midday meal with the emperor and Lady Liang.

Throughout the meal, both the emperor and Lady Liang repeatedly placed food into Zhao Yao's bowl, encouraging him to eat more. They earnestly advised him to take good care of himself once he returned to Swamp Prefecture.

After the meal concluded, Zhao Yao departed the palace and proceeded directly to the Prince Chu Mansion.

Prince Chu expressed mild surprise upon seeing Zhao Yao arrive, having done so even before his customary noon nap.

"Fourth Brother, I shall be departing at dawn tomorrow. There are certain matters I wish to discuss with you."

Observing Zhao Yao's serious demeanor, Prince Chu understood that the ensuing conversation would be significant.

"You may proceed," he replied.

"Fourth Brother, Second, Fifth, and Ninth are already gone. Now, only Seventh, yourself, and Eighth Brother remain." Zhao Yao wasted no time, stating his point directly. "Eighth Brother will subsequently deal with Seventh Brother, leaving only you and Eighth Brother."

Prince Chu gave a single nod, remaining silent.

"Fourth Brother, both you and Eighth Brother are my elder siblings, and you have both treated me with kindness. To me, you and Eighth Brother are like parts of my own flesh; I have no desire to see either of you suffer harm. However, in the end, a confrontation between the two of you is inevitable." As Zhao Yao contemplated the unfolding events, his spirits grew somber. "My hope is that, when all is said and done, the two of you can at least spare each other's lives."

Prince Chu raised his hand, placing it upon Zhao Yao's shoulder. "Rest assured, I will not kill him."

"I am aware." Zhao Yao hesitated, contemplating whether to inform Prince Chu, Fourth Brother, that he could not defeat Eighth Brother, who was even more... "Fourth Brother, do you recall the pair of black and white Taiji fish Jade Pendants you gifted me in the past?"

"I do recall. You gave me the white fish pendant, and I have carried it with me ever since."

Zhao Yao looked towards Prince Chu, his tone grave. "Fourth Brother, should you ever find yourself in dire straits or facing danger, remember to dispatch someone bearing the White Fish Jade Pendant to me. In that manner, I shall know you require my assistance."

Prince Chu understood Zhao Yao's concern for him; a sense of warmth spread through his chest, and he responded with solemnity, "Very well."

"If I have any say in the matter, I would prefer never to see your White Fish Jade Pendant."

After conversing with Prince Chu for a short while longer, Zhao Yao eventually took his leave. Upon returning to the Prince Han Mansion, he discovered Prince Wei already present.

"You must have something to discuss with me, which is why I have come."

Zhao Yao had already been entirely forthright with Prince Wei, thus there was no reason to withhold anything from him now.

"Eighth Brother, after you eliminate Seventh, your next target will be Fourth Brother, followed by Father, is that correct?"

Prince Wei had not anticipated such a direct question from Zhao Yao. He paused momentarily, then offered a wry smile. "Tenth Brother, you truly are..."